City of Tullahoma Fire Department Improves ISO Classification

City of Tullahoma Fire Department Improves ISO Classification

Tullahoma, Tenn. – The City of Tullahoma Fire Department is pleased to announce it has earned an Insurance Service Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification of 2. This new designation required additional improvements in training, staffing, water supply, communications and other areas. The ISO evaluates the capacity of a fire department to respond to and fight structure fires for property insurance purposes. On the scale, one is the best.

Prior to the new classification, Tullahoma was rated an ISO Classification of 3, a designation held for the last four years.

This is good news for the fire department and for property owners because improved ISO ratings help lower fire insurance premiums for both residential and commercial customers. The upgrade puts Tullahoma in an elite group. “This rating places us in the top three percent of Fire Departments in the state of Tennessee,” said Chief Richard Shasteen.

“This classification means we have been judged by an independent agency to have an exemplary fire suppression system,” said Mayor Lane Curlee. “We have to commend our Fire Department for getting us here. Additionally, this rating helps Tullahoma recruit industry and commercial investment to locate and expand in our community.”

Research completed by Municipal Technical Advisory Services Fire Management Consultant, Steve Cross, shows that Tullahoma property owners will collectively save approximately $144,000.00 on insurance premiums for one and two family dwellings. This does not include the commercial savings.

“We are extremely proud of this accomplishment that took a tremendous effort from our officers and staff,” said Chief Shasteen.

This is evidence of a great partnership between the Tullahoma Fire Department, Tullahoma Utilities Authority and the Coffee County Consolidated Communications Center. “We have an excellent water distribution system with over 1,300 fire hydrants, and the Communication Center has made improvements to our communication system,” said Chief Shasteen.

“The bottom line is the department was rated highly for its ability to respond to and suppress structural fires. A number of other factors were scored highly, including communications and water supply,” said City Administrator, Jody Baltz. “I am very proud of the Tullahoma Fire Department and their commitment to earning this ISO 2 Classification. Chief Shasteen’s leadership has earned two ISO rating improvements in his ten years as Chief.”

The Tullahoma Fire Department earned additional ISO credit for the free smoke alarm program and fire safety educational program with the local school system. “I will continue to challenge staff to continue to look for improvements that, combined with the collaboration of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and partners, will help us continue to improve,” said Chief Shasteen.

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